2009 could see the Proteas competing with Australia and India in cricket’s very own version of the Tri-Nations rugby series .

Interest in the tournament is expected to be enormous, but it faces several hurdles such as finding a window in an already crowded calendar, and negotiating the ICC ruling that allows a maximum of seven Twenty20 matches a year per country.

“It will be somewhat similar to the Tri-Nations rugby series,” Gerald Majola, chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA), told Cricinfo. “It will be happening next year, and the matches will be held in South Africa and Australia.”

However, organisers are yet to finalise a window for the tournament next year, he said.

Majola said the proposed Twenty20 series which was first discussed at a recent ICC meeting in Dubai, will have a distinct identity of its own.

“At this point in time, we are confident that it will take place but we haven’t finalised venues, details of the prize money or sponsorship,” said Majola.